Read It Much

What do you read much? Do you first reach for a novel, a magazine, online articles? The answer to this question may bring some shame because I suspect the answer isn't God's Word. Men are often accused of ignoring the instructions or reaching for them as a last resort. While there may be some truth to that, I'm fairly confident we all are too often slow to reach for The Book that matters most! The psalmist wrote, "O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day (Psalm 119:97) ... "How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103) ... "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105). The ones who agree with the psalmist's words will be the one who prefers The Word. George Muller wrote, "If the reader understands very little of the Word of God, he ought to read it very much; for the Spirit explains the Word by the Word. And if he enjoys the reading of the Word little, that is just the reason why he should read it very much; for the frequent reading of the Scriptures creates a delight in them." (from "Gathering Gems"). We lot "much" of many things - the beach, ice cream, etc. How much do I, do you love of the Word of God? That which we read much says a lot!

Live the Life

Retirees often say they're "living the life," - Mister Bill and I can relate to that! For us, the trade-off of morning alarms and work traffic for leisure days, family and travel has indeed been a new and good way to ... live life. To the Believers at Colossae, Paul encouraged living the New Life that was theirs in Christ Jesus: "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:1-2, ESV). What a sad sight to see many Believers reflecting gloom and doom in their faces! Aren't we aware our old life died when we met Jesus! Paul continues by reminding us we are now "hidden with Christ in God" (V.3). When we know this in our hearts, it will show up on our faces! Everything changed when we received this New Life at salvation - God says we are to "set your minds," - seriously discipline yourselves to be continuously focused in the study, meditation, memorization and application of His Word. For the born-again child of God, it's the only way to ... live the life!

BLOG BREAK

 Morning with Beverly
resumes Thursday 05-14-2026
Stay in The Word!
Miles of Smiles, Beverly  

Your Delight

Have you ever noticed what determination "looks" like? It's often seen in a toddler who declares, "I can do it all by myself." Hard as it is to watch the struggle, often the self-declared determination is indeed enough. Hear the determination in the psalmist's words from Psalm 119: "I shall not be ashamed" (V6) ... "I shall give thanks" (V7) ... "I shall keep your statues" (V8) ... "I will meditate" (V15) ... "I shall delight" (V16) ..."I will keep Your law" (V44) - and the determinations go on and on! I We all make declarations every day in some form or another: I will mop the floor, wash the sheets, go to the bank, etc. How sad earthly pursuits take priority over the eternal! The psalmist explains the priority of his declarations: "The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces" (V72) ... "How sweet are Your words to my taste - yes, sweeter than honey to my  mouth" (V103) ... "I have inherited Your testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart" (V111). Somehow through the days of his life, the psalmist had - by an act of his own will - prioritized seeking The Lord first, and his determination had become his greatest joy. God and His words were not only a determination, they were a delight. Do you cherish time with God in His Word? If so, He will become your determination - He will become ... your delight.

Song of My Soul

Benefits are usually a big factor in decision-making! When searching for a hotel, for example, room amenities matter - yes, the froo-froo stuff matters. The psalmist David says, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits." (Psalm 130:1-2 NASB). The Hebrew word "benefits" refers to the "dealing of one's hand." When that hotel doesn't measure-up nor delivers on its promised benefits, we may give a bad review or request a refund. With The LORD, however, always delivers and more than we deserve or expect. Furthermore, "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Verses 10-12 NASB). It's amazing that God is even mindful of me but He is; when my sin had disqualified me God looked upon me in mercy. He offered the precious blood of His Son, Jesus, Who brought me back into right-standing before The Father. Now I stand in the righteousness of Christ and enjoy all God's love and benefits. "Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee - How great Thou art - How great Thou art!" My Savior, My God ... song of my soul.